Mod Pop Shop livens up Palm Springs Modernism Week with swingin’ parties, events

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Palm Springs-based vintage dealer Marc Joseph has always lamented the fact that during the city’s annual Palm Springs Modernism Week, the fun pretty much stops when the sun sets.

Which is why this year he created the Mod Pop Shop -- a boutique-cum-nightlife spot that celebrates all things Midcentury Modern, with a different themed event happening during each of the 10 nights of Modernism Week (of which we’re currently in the midst).

Each day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the space is a retail shop, featuring vintage designer clothing, midcentury furnishings and Modernist art from local artists. But come nightfall, the Mod Pop Shop is party central, with themes as varied as ballroom dancing, burlesque, luau, classic cars, Audrey Hepburn and the Rat Pack. Festivities start at 8 p.m. and wind down at midnight.

Admission to the store during daytime hours is free, but tickets for nighttime events are either $10 or $20, depending on the theme (your first swanky cocktail is included in the price).

So far, the shop has feted the Rat Pack with lounge singers and classic cocktails; vintage fashion, with a runway show curated by Joseph; and classic cars with a fondue party.

Wednesday’s theme is Burlesque! and will boast a night of burlesque dancers, drinking ‘and debauchery.’ Thursday is Jewels on the Beach Luau, featuring a Hawaiian luau with a trunk show of designer vintage jewelry and a book signing with jewelry expert Matt Burkholz.

Friday is the Goin’ to a Go-Go dance party with go-go girls and boys; Saturday will be the Night of 100 Audreys, featuring an Audrey Hepburn look-a-like contest (women and men welcome); and rounding out the fun on Sunday will be a good, old-fashioned Disco Dance Party.

Mod Pop Shop, 901 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

-- Emili Vesilind